Travel

REASONS WHY I’M THINKING ABOUT RELOCATING TO THE COUNTRYSIDE IN FUTURE VS CITY LIFE

Here's What You Need to Know If You Want To Live In The Country...

By The Joey JournalMay 2, 20230 Comments Location: London3min read164 views

Living in the country is many people’s dream, and it is a wonderful place to be. The fresh air and beautiful views are fantastic, and they can make you feel hugely positive and happy – often more so than if you were in a busy city, for example.

However, if you are thinking of moving to the countryside and you’ve never lived in a rural place before, there are some things you’ll need to consider. You’ll want to be as prepared as possible, because as lovely as the countryside is, it isn’t always an easy place to live. Read on to find out what you’re going to need

A Vehicle

Something that can sometimes come as a surprise to people who are moving to the countryside for the first time is just how much they are going to need a car to be able to make the most of their life there. Although there will be public transport, it might be that the nearest bus stop or train station is a long way from your house, and it would often be just as quick to drive yourself. Of course, there will be cabs available, but because of the potentially long distances involved, this could become expensive.

If you are going to live in the countryside, the best thing to do is to learn to drive and start looking at the best cars to enjoy your time in a rural area. Although you might initially think that a 4×4 would be the best option, it could be that Jaguar cars are better – they’ll be more comfortable for many people, resulting in you being more likely to want to use the car and take advantage of the opportunities around you.

Good Wifi

In today’s world, having a fast and reliable internet connection is crucial. Many people work from home and therefore need to be connected to the internet at all times, but even if you don’t work from home, you’ll still want to be able to go online when you choose to and not have to use up all the data on your phone because you can’t get a connection.

Unfortunately, many rural areas do still have a problem with this, and you might find that your internet is slow. It’s best to know about this before you move into an area that has this issue so that you can be prepared and put measures in place to combat the problem from the start. This could include opting for wired internet or perhaps investing in additional boosters to help make the signal stronger.

A Good Community

We know that the countryside is a lovely place to live, but it is potentially a lonely place. There is less to do than in a busy city or town, especially in the evenings, and even if you live with other people, it can become isolating.

This is why living somewhere with a good community that means this won’t be so likely to happen is important. This community might be made up of neighbours, local businesses, or groups that share similar interests, like a sports team. You might even find support online, but of course, you’ll need a good wifi signal to make the most of this.

Travel Travel Destinations

THE TOP 7 SKI RESORTS FOR BEGINNERS AND FAMILIES IN EUROPE TO NORTH AMERICA

Booking your first ever skiing holiday as a beginner from where to stay and how to make the most out of your trip

By The Joey JournalApril 27, 2023April 28, 20230 Comments Location: London, UK3min read154 views

While a skiing holiday can be an exciting trip for all ages, it can be intimidating for a beginner skier to visit a ski resort for the first time. However, our insider knowledge will enable you to get the most out of your visit and, perhaps, leave you craving more. The top ski resorts for beginners have been hand-selected by us for your first skiing vacation.

Passo Tonale, Italy

Passo Tonale, located high in the Italian Alps, provides many peaceful, simple runs accessible by chairlifts close to the hotels. With access to 100 km of slopes that are well connected, Passo Tonale is one of Italy’s most incredible value ski resorts and one of its snowiest. There are many mild blues and reds and vast nursery slopes where beginners can gain confidence, and it is simple to navigate the area.

Tremblant, Canada

Tremblant is one of the top-rated ski areas on the East Coast. With few lift lines and relatively quiet long, wide routes at Tremblant, you can use all the room you need to practise your turns and be back up the mountain in no time. You may ski securely across the entire ski resort on relatively simple and straightforward slopes. The alternative is quite easy to navigate, as all the runs converge at this hub.

Obergurgl, Austria

Beginners and families are the main focus at Obergurgl, a superb high resort. Obergurgl is a beautiful, high-altitude resort catering to novice and family skiers. Before moving higher up the mountain for more challenging runs, practise your spins on the vast, treeless slopes to build confidence. There are two beginner sections, one at the bottom of the village below the Festkogel chair lift and the other in the town centre close to the Rosskar chair lift.

Arinsal, Andorra

Arinsal has been designated as a haven for newcomers. Visitors come here to begin their brand-new fascination with winter sports. The mountain layout makes it quite simple to find your way around the slopes, and there are lots of beginner-friendly slopes where you can practise those first turns and the crucial skill of stopping. So Arinsal is an excellent choice for beginners and improvers. The large, mellow slopes are helpful for beginners; there is even a designated area for families.

Les Arcs, France

Our ranking of the top European ski resorts for beginners and intermediate skiers includes Les Arcs. There is a lot of pleasant terrain at Les Arcs, and each area has several slopes with a low gradient and designated beginning zones for skiers. Les Arcs includes a free lift for novices and is a well-liked location for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. However, it is the best choice for beginners because it features beginner slopes over each resort’s main villages.

Tignes, France

As one of the top ski resorts in the world for beginners, we heartily endorse Tignes. This well-known ski area has something for everyone. For beginners, there are even no-cost practice lifts. There are several accessible runs and gentle slopes for beginners. The mountain station has a relatively broad area with slopes for slower skiers. You may practise your glide here thanks to the variety of easy nursery slopes. After you feel more confident, pick from various lengthy, cruisey blue runs to improve your stamina and skill. Because of its elevation, Tignes enjoys a more extended ski season than most ski areas, with excellent powder conditions into the early spring. Also, it offers a great selection of ski schools for skiers of all levels.

Cervinia, Italy

With the most consistent snowfall and conditions, it is the highest-altitude ski resort in Italy. With its short, snow-sure nursery slopes at resort level and plenty of lengthy, accessible courses to advance above Plan Maison, Cervinia is a great destination for beginners. A nursery slope is easily accessible from the village for those just putting on their ski boots for the first time. There are also a lot of options for ski schools. The number of easy runs accessible for those seeking to advance makes Cervinia ideal for beginners.

Although it can be overwhelming for a beginner skier to hit the slopes for the first time, these seven ski resorts are the ideal places for you to experience your first ski vacation.

Travel Travel Destinations

WHY YOU NEED TO TAKE A ROAD TRIP IN YOUR LIFETIME

By The Joey JournalApril 23, 20230 Comments Location: London, UK3min read107 views

There are so many different types of travel we can experience in our lives, that it’s hard to know which kind to choose next. And on the flip side, we all tend to take the same kind of trips over and over again, so we can also find ourselves stuck in a routine too. Yet, sometimes, it’s nice to be able to branch out a little. And to do that, it’s great to think about all the different amazing experiences we can have – such as taking a road trip. If you’ve always wanted to go on a road trip, let’s take a look at why you need to make it a priority.

The Joy of the Road

One of the biggest benefits of going on a road trip is the idea of being able to actually enjoy being on the road. When you think about it, driving and experiencing being on the roads, traveling from place to place is such a luxury. All it takes is for you to find cheap car rentals wherever you are and you’re all set. You can do this anytime, anywhere – whether you’re already traveling or you want to plan a trip from scratch.

Seeing So Many Places at Once

Another incredible thing is that you get to explore so many different places at once – rather than just heading to one location. It’s not always about being on the go constantly but being able to see so much more because you can hop in the car and head off. If you want to see a few different towns when heading to a set part of the country or somewhere further afield, with a road trip you can!

Doing Something Different

It’s also a way to do something different. You won’t always want to take the same kinds of trips over and over again. Sometimes, it’s great to be able to move about and get on the open road, headed to a new dreamy destination. Plus, you can then say that you’ve taken an iconic road trip!

Choosing a Specific Road Trip Route

You also have the opportunity to do one of the many famous road trip routes around the world. Maybe you’ve always wanted to follow the Pacific Coast Highway in California or the Ring Road in Iceland. When that’s the case, you can start making your plans and get out to see the world.

Making it the Best Experience Possible

And finally, you’re going to want to make sure that you’re able to make it the best experience possible. This means bringing along the right things, having the right mindset, and creating a bit of a loose plan for your trip too. Start by thinking about what you want to do and see on your road trip and go from there. You can then do your research to ensure that it’s the best possible experience and actually becomes the trip of a lifetime that you want it to be.

Travel Travel Destinations

PLANNING YOUR NEXT EUROPEAN ROAD TRIP FROM BRITAIN WITH EUROTUNNEL LE SHUTTLE

Even though the Channel Tunnel has been operational for 27 years, we still come across confusion from the public as to the difference between Eurotunnel Le Shuttle and Eurostar.

By The Joey JournalMarch 8, 20230 Comments Location: London5min read381 views

A European road trip could be the perfect adventure for those who want to experience the excitement of visiting new places while also enjoying the independence of being on their own schedule. And the United Kingdom is a great place to get started on your adventure. Britain is the ideal starting point for a road trip across Europe thanks to its varied landscapes, long history, and fascinating culture.

Make sure you’re well-organised and have everything you need before hitting the road. If you need some guidance in getting started, here it is.

Set your course

Planning a road trip begins with picking a path. How about you decide between going east towards the continent, or going north towards Scotland and then across to mainland Europe? Take your time exploring the various possibilities until you find the one that works best for you.

Verify all of your paperwork

Get your paperwork in order before you leave. Be sure that you are covered by your insurance policy if you plan to drive your own vehicle abroad. A valid passport is required, and a visa may be necessary, depending on where you intend to go.

Take your car in for maintenance.

Before you get behind the wheel, check to see that your car service is up to date . Do some maintenance on it, like getting the oil changed and water levels checked and making sure the tyres are at the right pressure. In a foreign country, you definitely don’t want to break down on the side of the road.

Plan ahead when packing

Don’t lug around unnecessary items and think before you pack. The last thing you want to be doing is struggling to carry around a bunch of unnecessary belongings, so pack light. Invest in a high-quality, lightweight rucksack or duffel bag, and fill it with clothes appropriate for the climates you’ll encounter in each country you visit.

Consider your lodging options before you travel

Make plans for overnight stays before you leave. Where do you plan to rest your head each night? During the busy season, hotels and other lodgings may fill up quickly, so planning ahead is essential.

Familiarise yourself with some simple phrases

Learning some simple phrases in the native tongue of the countries you plan to visit is always a good idea. A simple “hello,” “please,” and “thank you” can go a long way towards demonstrating appreciation for and understanding of the local culture.

Learn the local traditions

It’s important to familiarise yourself with the norms and practises of the countries you’ll be visiting. Using your hands to eat is considered impolite in some cultures while perfectly acceptable in others. Having this information at your disposal will help you avoid any potentially embarrassing scenarios.

If you take the time to follow these guidelines and do some research, you can make sure that the European road trip that you start in Britain is an exciting and interesting experience that you will never forget. Prepare yourselves for the adventure of a lifetime by loading up the car with your belongings, buckling up, and setting out on the road!

Are Eurotunnel Le Shuttle & Eurostar the same company?

No – Eurostar uses Eurotunnel’s tunnel, and is one of their biggest customers. The Channel Tunnel is the longest undersea tunnel in the world at 38km long.

Where can I board?

Eurotunnel’s UK boarding point is in Folkestone, Kent.

Eurostar runs from three UK stations on the same line: St Pancras International, Ebbsfleet International and Ashford International.

Where can I go?

The main Eurostar routes go to Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam, with some seasonal routes and connections across France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany.

Eurotunnel Le Shuttle runs solely between Folkestone and Calais.

By foot or by vehicle?

Travelling on foot is great if you’re visiting a busy city for the weekend, but driving might be more suitable for a longer trip and allows for greater baggage allowances.

Eurostar trains are for foot passengers only, so are ideal if you don’t need or want a vehicle for your trip.

Eurotunnel Le Shuttle carries freight and all forms of vehicle, including cars, motorbikes, campervans, caravans, coaches and lorries. You cannot travel as a foot passenger on Eurotunnel, but you are able to take a bicycle.

Covid measures

Eurostar carriages are cleaned regularly, and some seats left free to allow for social distancing. Masks should be worn for the duration of the journey and in the stations.

Eurotunnel allows you to remain in the comfort of your vehicle at all times, so no contact with staff or other passengers. You are not required to wear a mask in your vehicle, unless travelling by motorcycle or a convertible car with the roof down.

Animals

Only assistance dogs are allowed on Eurostar trains.

Eurotunnel allows you to travel with a pet for an additional cost of £22 each way (assistance dogs are exempt), providing you have the necessary paperwork. You can also travel with your horse!

With so many new pet owners emerging from the pandemic, it’s not surprising to see that more than 25,000 pets have joined their families on Eurotunnel in August 2021 (one way).

Journey length

Eurotunnel takes just 35 minutes between Folkestone and Calais.

Eurostar takes approximately 2.5 hours to reach Paris from London.

Frequency

Eurotunnel runs up to 4 shuttle departures per hour during peak times.

Eurostar generally runs a service every 30 minutes during peak times, but is currently running a reduced service due to Covid restrictions.

Book your getaway with Eurotunnel Le Shuttle from as little as:
£91 per vehicle (up to 9 passengers) for a standard ticket (for any duration). One way
£249 per vehicle (up to 9 passengers) for a Flexiplus ticket, turn up any time and get on the next available train, and access to the club lounge (for any duration). One way

Take your furry four legged friend from just £22 each way

Editorial Disclaimer: All thoughts and opinions are my own view. I am under no obligation to post a review about a brand whether or not I choose to do so. How I choose to work with brands on any collaboration whatsoever is always down to personal choice and preference if I feel it’s a good fit for my content and audience so I can always give my honest feedback. Please note All prices quoted in this blogpost are subject to change by Eurotunnel Le Shuttle or Eurostar at any time.

Travel Travel Destinations

STAYCATION IDEAS THAT FEEL LIKE A LUXURY GETAWAY

Considering your next Vacation much closer to home, Where is the most popular staycation in the UK?

By The Joey JournalFebruary 28, 20230 Comments Location: London2min read150 views

Many people who may not exactly be budget-restricted have resorted to new ways to enjoy their leisure time, and an option that has gradually become popular among many is having a staycation. It has come to stay and, to date, has accounted for many domestic travels. Already, 17% of travellers have resorted to it, and many more are likely to follow suit. Here are three exciting staycation ideas worth exploring.

Glamping

A coined term for glamorous camping, glamping is a perfect way to escape the city and enjoy the great outdoors in comfort. With various glamping options available, from treehouses to luxury tents and cabins, there’s something to suit your specific taste and budget. Many glamping sites, like national parks, are set in beautiful locations and offer unique experiences such as stargazing and campfire cooking. Glamping sites often provide guests with high-quality bedding, with some upgrading to hotel qualty bed linen to enhance the overall experience. You can find excellent glamping site options in Cornwall and elsewhere in the UK. You can stay in a luxury yurt on a working farm in any of these places. Thankfully, the size of yurt you choose can contain a king-size bed, wood-burning stove, private decking with countryside views, and many more. If your staycation is on a farm, you can enjoy traditional farm activities or explore the nearby beaches and coastal paths.

Spa retreat

If you want to relax and unwind, a spa retreat could be just the ticket. With many spas offering overnight packages, you can escape the stresses of everyday life and indulge in treatments such as massages, facials, and saunas. Many spa retreats are in stunning countryside, offering tranquil surroundings and beautiful views. Several spa facilities are strategically located outside city centres to enhance your staycation activities—some range from modern spa hotels to historic thermal baths. Like many other staycation revellers, you will enjoy spots like the Ragdale Hall Spa, a popular choice thanks to the peculiar rooftop pool with picturesque views and a range of treatments.

Coastal getaways

A coastal getaway can be the perfect escape if you love the sea. The UK has many beautiful coastal towns and villages, with plenty of opportunities for exploring seaside activities. You can while the time away by surfing, paddle boarding, and going for beach walks. The UK coast has something for you whether you want a romantic getaway or a family holiday. Coastal getaways tend to have picturesque harbours, sandy beaches, and turquoise waters, making excellent backgrounds for capturing memorable photos and videos. Even better, you will find countless accommodation options, from boutique hotels to self-catering cottages and plenty of restaurants and cafes serving fresh seafood. Early booking of popular staycation sites is advisable to confirm your preferred space in time and avoid any inconvenience.

Remember that a staycation can also be in the comfort of your home if you’re not interested in domestic travel or trips.

Lifestyle Travel

THE BEST BOATING ACTIVITIES ENJOYED BY ALL AGES TO 50’S+

HELPFUL TIPS TO COMPARE BOAT INSURANCE WHEN PLANNING YOUR NEXT VACATION

By The Joey JournalFebruary 23, 20230 Comments Location: London5min read200 views

Whilst these activities are suitable for almost all adult ages, here we look at what some of the best boating activities are for the over 50s, the benefits of taking them up and some of the sensible issues to think about to keep yourself safe on the water from safety gear to comparing boat insurance.

Sailing boats and motorboats

These types of boats have grown in popularity over recent years, but there are some big differences between the two options to consider before making any purchase, as although they can seem similar, they are in fact quite different. They both offer a different way of exploring the water, sailing boats tend to have less space but offer a wonderful experience, whilst motorboats are generally perceived as being faster and have larger engines for example. We have outlined other points to consider as well:

Sailing boat advantages include:

Ability to travel further: A sailing boat will never run out of fuel, so boaters can travel further and longer before needing to get supplies
More cost efficient engines: As they have much smaller engines, they need less fuel to run, and are cheaper to maintain
Better for the environment: The most obvious advantage is that sailing boats create no emissions making them a very responsible way to explore the water and get out there
Peace and quiet: You can always just enjoy the feeling of the wind and the sound of the waves on the boat if you want some serenity and peace and quiet. There is no drone of an internal combustion motor to break the tranquillity of the journey, so you can be surrounded by peace and quiet on the water

Sailing boat disadvantages:

They need a lot of time and energy: Sailing is a physical activity. The sails and steering require constant adjustment, and you must concentrate on the water and weather around you. Even though there are significant savings in the engine department, money will still be spent to maintain sails and rigging. They do have long shelf lives, but it is still something to consider
Restrictive space: Masts and sails and rigging and pulleys – there’s a lot happening on the deck of a sail boat, and this means that a lot of deck is taken up already by these
Less shelter: Enjoying the water and the elements is a part of the joy of sailing, but sometimes there can be no shade on the deck of a sail boat, so this can become too much if the weather is extremely warm or if there is lots of rain for example

Motorboat advantages

Speed and space: These types of boats will always be faster than a sail boat, they also have less parts on the main deck, and so have larger and more comfortable living spaces to enjoy
Less planning: As long as you have fuel and the boat is in good condition, you can head out on the water. You need to be mindful of the weather conditions as well as the direction and speed of the wind, heading out only if conditions seem safe, but otherwise you are good to go
Simplicity: Motorboats require less training and experience to use them compared to sail boats. The majority of the knowledge needed is to understand how everything works on the water and when it is safe to sail

Motorboat disadvantages

Noise: Larger boats have the extra room on board to isolate boaters from the sound of a powerful engine, but on smaller boats this means the noise can be pretty loud. When testing it out, try and gauge how loud the boat sounds so you understand what it will be like to have this out on the water with you
Fuel: Fuel can be expensive, but without it your motorboat will not move. So you need to factor in this and making sure you have a backup supply on your boat as well, which needs to be stored safely
The engine: Regular maintenance will be needed on your engine to keep it in good condition. You need to factor time and finances into this when budgeting for a boat, as a replacement engine can be expensive

Jet skiing

As a fun and physical activity, jet skiing can be done while on a family holiday or when enjoying the beach with friends. There is a lot of thrill and energy that comes with the speed of a jet ski, and you will never get bored while out on the water with one. People are increasingly noticing that taking up jet skiing can provide a wide range of health benefits as well. For example:

Jet skiing advantages:

Physical exercise:Jet skiing will certainly provide you with a good workout on the water. This in turn will help you increase blood circulation, all whilst having fun at the same time. Most people don’t know that the average person can burn 238 calories over a half an hour jaunt on a jet ski
Improves balance: Crouching and sitting on a jet ski and trying to manoeuvre it around water is a hard task. You will learn how to balance and coordinate your body as you move the jet ski through the water at different speeds
Stress relief:Jet skiing involves you having to focus on the job in hand, and many people have found that doing this, combined with being out on the open water is a great stress reliever against the modern day hustle and bustle of normal life

Jet skiing disadvantages:

Popularity: Whilst jet skiing is a sport that can be enjoyed by a wide range of people, they aren’t always popular with everyone because they can be perceived as dangerous, and they do get some negative attention because of this. The government even launched a consultation to clamp down on dangerous use of jet skis back in 2021
Comparison to other boats: They are classed as more dangerous than boats or any other vessel on the water because of the volume and the types of accidents they are involved in
Noise: They are extremely loud, and this tends to put people off, people who may wish to buy one or people just watching it can find the noise a lot to deal with

Other points to think about

Whatever boating activities you decide to take up, you should always look into the insurance requirements first, and not as an afterthought. More often than not, there will be no legal requirement to have insurance – unlike with car insurance. However, it is advisable to take it out. Being on the water can cause different issues and problems to being on land, and so in this sense insurance is essential. If your jet ski, motorboat or sailing boat for example becomes damaged by the weather or in another boating accident, you will find yourself adrift with no help and advice without the right boat insurance policy suited for your needs. Similarly, even if you wish to take up a smaller type of boating activity such as canoeing or kayaking, it is best to consider a standalone policy to protect your boat from the elements and any other accidental damage that might occur on the water. This way you will be able to have genuine peace of mind whilst you take up and enjoy new activities on the water in your 50s and beyond.

REASONS WHY I’M THINKING ABOUT RELOCATING TO THE COUNTRYSIDE IN FUTURE VS CITY LIFE